Real Estate FAQs
I routinely come across the same questions from buyers and sellers. In this section, I list the most important inquiries and the best advice I can offer. Feel free to direct any other questions to my attention. I would love to talk real estate with you.
Allow me to be your Real Estate Agent for life, and build a lifetime relationship with you.
Questions about buying a house
1Is an agent important for someone who wants to purchase a home?
Yes. A property broker can assist you with the negotiation process, sifting through paperwork, negotiating concessions, and contacting home inspection agencies.
2Is now a good time to buy in Chicago?
With years of property experience, I can guide you to determining whether or not you should make a purchase now or hold out for better interest rates or inventory levels.
3What are the benefits for first-time buyers?
There are numerous reasons why a person should buy a house for the first time. One of the biggest advantages is the ability to adapt the property the way you want to customize it for your family. Another benefit is special mortgage rates and payment options. Because first-time buyers have little experience, contacting a local agent is a wise recommendation.
4Is pre-approval for a home loan necessary before talking to an agent?
You do not have to get acceptance for your loan before shopping around, but I advise you to get pre-approval. When you know how much you can afford, you can comfortably budget for your price range. Considering homeowner's association fees, taxes, and interest can help you keep the overall home cost at a level that is comfortable. My expertise will ensure that you can afford what you are buying to help you stay on track with the additional costs of owning a property.
5Who pays for closing costs?
Let me negotiate this figure for you. With my in-depth knowledge of market conditions, I can help you talk a seller into covering closing fees. When a little help on the sellers end makes it easier for you to sign on the dotted line, I am more than happy to negotiate the terms.
6Should I avoid homes with no curb appeal?
Unless you are choosing a new construction home, I suggest skipping most of these properties. A good inside starts with a beautiful yard. Homes without neat manicuring and proper lawn care may signal a problem with keeping on top of routine maintenance. A home inspection can provide more answers if you are truly in love with a particular place.
Questions about selling a house
1Is staging my house necessary?
Unless you want your house to sit around waiting for the perfect person to find your listing, then yes, you want to stage your home when selling. The small fee for a few hours of time with a professional stager can make or break your home sale. Not staging your house can unintentionally turn buyers off when other property owners take advantage of this service in your market.
2Is now the time to put my house up for sale?
Every situation is different in some way or another for sellers. I can guide you to choosing the best time to list your property. Spring is usually the peak selling season, but you may find too much competition exasperating. I can help you decide when the time is right.
3Should we consider every offer?
Nothing says you have to take into account each bid. If you find two or more people who have a genuine interest in your property, then you can ask for more information, counter bids, and take into consideration personal reasons for potential buyers. As the seller, you hold the cards in many situations.
4How much should we list our home for right now?
Market conditions change constantly. Listing your home in February might not get you much interest, but a few weeks or days later could make all the difference in the world. For example, when there are five homes for sale in a three-block radius, then waiting for a couple of them to sell before listing could help your situation. The earlier attention will ensure buyers are likely to see your property and with less competition, you might get a higher sale price.
